Abstract
Drive for muscularity (DFM) has previously been found to be associated with
disordered eating (Murray et al., 2016 a) and negative effects on an individual’s
mental health (Cunningham et al., 2019). Existing research has focused mainly on
male identifying participants, seemingly separating DFM from pursuit for thinness
(Hoffman et al., 2017). The aim of the current research was to encourage
participants to share their experiences regardless of gender and symptom
presentation and to understand the barriers to accessing support and suggestions of
required support, specifically surrounding distress relating to DFM. Furthermore, with
a majority female identifying sample, a female perspective was represented.
Sixty-eight participants who were 18 and over, UK-born and self-reported a
DFM, completed an anonymous qualitative questionnaire exploring: the importance
of muscularity to the individual, how they might recognise their DFM becoming a
problem, where they would seek support and what support could look like from their
perspective. Reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022) was used to analyse
the data and themes, and to capture participants in-depth experiences.
Three themes were identified: 1) The desire to be muscular, 2) When DFM
becomes a problem, 3) Seeking support. A strong desire to be muscular was
present, leading to disordered eating behaviours, guilt and over-exercising. For some
participants, a desire to be muscular appeared to be linked to desire to improve
health and confidence. Finally, barriers to accessing support included fears of not
being taken seriously and being perceived as healthy when struggling.
Recommendations for support were made, including gyms taking an active role in
supporting individuals and the option of accessing support anonymously. The
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findings can be used to increase the recognition of the impacts and potentially
problematic nature of the DFM, informing provision of support or services.